Padres’ first base and DH puzzle is revealing Gavin Sheets’ role

Gavin Sheets was always expected to take over the starting first base job with the San Diego Padres this offseason, especially with Ramon Laureano more or less eliminating him from the left field competition. However, the late-offseason additions of Miguel Anduújar and Nick Castellanos (not to mention Ty France) added some stress onto Sheets' plate heading into spring training.

For the second year in a row, Sheets is emphaticaly negating any doubts in March. He's hitting .200/.429/.350 (118 wRC+) in spring training thus far, with twice as many walks as strikeouts. His power is also starting to round into form, including a long home run against the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend.

He should be a lock to start at first base against right-handed pitchers this season, a role he's perfectly fit for after posting a 119 wRC+ against them in 2025.

As MLB.com's AJ Cassavell explained: "Essentially, based on the current roster construction, there will be a maximum of two places available on a daily basis to be shared among that trio -- at first base and DH. (Castellanos has continued to get action at first and made a leaping catch there on Sunday.) The lefty-hitting Sheets is expected to start regularly against right-handers. But he could come off the bench against lefties -- and is just fine with that."

Padres' crowded first base picture appears to be nearing obvious solution

Sheets wasn't awful against southpaws last season, but his 89 wRC+ was below average and his OPS dropped more than 100 points compared to his work against righties. Thanks to the presence of Castellanos and Andújar, though, he can enjoy focusing on the strong side of a platoon in 2026.

Castellanos' stats were down across the board last year, but he hits .294/.344/.509 (127 wRC+) against lefties for his career. Andújar is in a very similar boat (.297/.332/.472, 121 wRC+), and his numbers really exploded during his 2025 breakout (.986 OPS, 171 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers).

Since all three players can technically play one or both corner outfield spots, there's enough versatility among this group to get each of their bats in the lineup on a given night. If the whole starting lineup is healthy, though, expect Sheets to play first against righties, with one of Castellanos or Andújar lining up at DH. If an opposing lefty takes the mound, Sheets will probably head to the bench in favor of both.

It's a simple solution to a crowded picture, but it's almost the most obvious. The Padres have the flexibility to play for better matchups, and the hope is that this rotation trio will be good enough offensive to form the backbone of a better offense in 2026.